Source: Nowlebanon.com, 17-03-2008
Hizbullah Deputy Secretary General Sheikh Naim Qassem said that the problem in Lebanon stems from the lack of discussion between the opposition and majority parties.
"Had there been a discussion between the majority and the opposition, we would have reached a solution a long time ago," he said.
"Frankly, there has been a US decision to use Lebanon to ensure US interests," Qassem added.
Qassem said that the memorandum issued at the first-annual March 14 congress was a provocative document that lacked a vision for a solution.
"Why didn't it mention "Israeli" aggressions, the Shibaa Farms, the Lebanese detained in "Israel", the "Israeli" aerial violations?" he asked. "What is their position on "Israel"?"
Qassem added that the memorandum did not address the economic situation in the country or the best way to limit corruption and losses.
"You [Ruling bloc] are talking about an Arab-Iranian struggle. Do you want to be part of the Arab-Iranian struggle that "Israel" is provoking in order to create inter-Muslim discord in the region?" Qassem said.
"What is becoming of the Arab-"Israeli" conflict? Which party do you belong to? We recall that Iran was the first state to establish a Palestinian embassy on its soil to oppose the "Israeli" embassies in the region," Qassem said.
He also noted that while the March 14 memorandum describes the problem in Lebanon as cultural, Hizbullah has been stressing its political aspect.
Qassem added that power sharing was mentioned only once in the memorandum. "It is not enough to say you want participation. Explain to us what it means," he said.
"As long as you are talking about the Taif Agreement, what is your stance on the electoral law? The Taif calls for mohafazat-based elections, while you are calling for the caza-based law... Do you have a united stance on the electoral law? Why haven't you mentioned it in your memorandum?" he asked.
Qassem called on the ruling forces to benefit from the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the FPM and Hizbullah. "It is made up of ten clear clauses. Yours does not contain any practical steps," he said.